red tag

¹

noun

1. a tag or other marker colored red and used to categorize something for a special purpose.

   Items with a red tag are on sale today.

red-tag

²

[red-tag]

verb (used with object)

red-tagged, red-tagging 

1. to attach a red tag to, as merchandise for special sale.

2. to identify for a specific purpose; earmark.

   The inspector red-tagged the restaurant for health violations.

adjective

1. pertaining to or composed of something that has been red-tagged.

   the store's annual red-tag sale.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red tag¹

First recorded in 1885–90